Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 is still 7 inches, runs ICS

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If you’re looking to buy a tablet but just aren’t sure what size is right for you, Samsung is the company to talk to. In addition to the Galaxy Tab 10.1, you can pick from the 5-inch Galaxy Note and other Galaxy Tab models at 8.9 and 7.7 inches. And now there’s a refresh of the original Galaxy Tab at 7 inches.

Unlike other Samsung tablets on sale right now, the Galaxy Tab 2 is going to ship with Android 4.0 pre-installed. As you’d expect, it’s an upgrade over the original P1000. The new Tab features a 1GHz dual-core processor and 1GB of RAM, and is about 1.5mm thinner than the original. There’s plenty that hasn’t changed substantially, like the 7-inch 1024×600 display (though the new one utilizes Super PLS tech), 3MP rear and VGA front cameras, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 3.0 support, and a 4,000mAh battery.

The new Tab will be offered with three different storage capacities — 8, 16, and 32GB. There’s also a microSD slot like its predecessor for infinite expandability.

So, what about pricing? In Scandinavia, it looks like the Wi-Fi only Galaxy Tab 2 is going to sell for between $419 and $460. The 3G/HSPA+ version will command an extra $100. It’s expected to launch sometime in March, and will at least arrive in the UK then as well. Samsung hasn’t gotten specific about launch dates or carriers in other countries yet.

As the sequel to the former Android tablet standard bearer, it will be interesting to see if the Galaxy Tab 2 can compete with the current champ — Amazon’s Kindle Fire.